Can Hyundai just do what Datsun did?

[Sal Collaziano]

It seems to have worked nicely for Datsun. They just changed their name to Nissan.. What do you think of Hyundai simply changing their name to Genesis? Signifying a new beginning... They could lose some of the Hyundai "stigma" and have a more appealing brand name right off the bat. All the Saturn dealerships they're buying can be labeled "Genesis" dealerships..

I know there's a downside to this as the Hyundai name has been improving - it's just a thought...

 

[RogerB]

For the Accent, Elantra, Sonata etc. I believe that would be a mistake. Hyundai have now established a reputation for inexpensive good quality cars. This reputation helps them sell their cheaper models.

But I think it was a mistake to continue to sell Genesis (and presumably the Equus) from Hyundai dealerships and allow the Genesis to bear the bent H logo on its cars. Once you get into the "upscale" and luxury market, image is crucial. Half the reason people buy these cars is to show off their snob brand. Having Hyundai associated with Genesis will hurt sales. Toyota and Honda were smart enough to recognize this phenomenon. That is why they set up their separate Lexus and Acura dealerships.

My daughter and I were both in the market for a new car at the same time. I bought a Genesis because I want the best that money can buy in this category. My daughter opted for an Acura TL. I suspect one of her reasons is a desire to have a car that is recognized everywhere as upscale. I am of an age when I don't give a damn about what other people think. So where Genesis could have made two sales, they made only one.

 

[ctrcbob]

It seems to have worked nicely for Datsun. They just changed their name to Nissan.. What do you think of Hyundai simply changing their name to Genesis? Signifying a new beginning... They could lose some of the Hyundai "stigma" and have a more appealing brand name right off the bat. All the Saturn dealerships they're buying can be labeled "Genesis" dealerships..

I know there's a downside to this as the Hyundai name has been improving - it's just a thought...

What do you mean "All the Saturn dealerships THEY'RE buying"!

They are not buying any dealerships! Any talk about how Hyundai SHOULD buy Saturn dealerships is just that. Talk. Wishfull thinking.

 

[dataguy]

As I mentioned elsewhere, name changes work wonders. GoldStar was known for both inexpensive and cheap quality consumer products. They, like Hyundai, adopted a quality improvement philosophy and a new name: LG (Lucky GoldStar). Now they sell more upscale electronics and home appliances.

 

[mcginnpm]

You know what? I like my Genny...and I like the price I paid for it.

Makes me wonder how much more it would have cost for exactly the same car if it were sold under a name other than Hyundai...and from some plush, snobby dealership with a latte and juice bar.

It's no skin off my nose if some snooty Lexus driver turns up his nose at my Genny just 'cause it's from Hyundai instead of Equus (or what ever name might be used). My Genny looks and drives just the same, regardless of what little plastic emblem is on the trunk lid.

If you are a Genny driver and your feelings are hurt because you have to be associated with "those other" Hyundai models, well...you probably should have forked over the extra $10K and bought that Lexus/BMW/Mercedes status symbol in the first place.

Bottom line...be happy, comfortable and confident with your decision to buy a Genesis.

 

[Par Avion]

You know what? I like my Genny...and I like the price I paid for it.

Makes me wonder how much more it would have cost for exactly the same car if it were sold under a name other than Hyundai...and from some plush, snobby dealership with a latte and juice bar.

It's no skin off my nose if some snooty Lexus driver turns up his nose at my Genny just 'cause it's from Hyundai instead of Equus (or what ever name might be used). My Genny looks and drives just the same, regardless of what little plastic emblem is on the trunk lid.

If you are a Genny driver and your feelings are hurt because you have to be associated with "those other" Hyundai models, well...you probably should have forked over the extra $10K and bought that Lexus/BMW/Mercedes status symbol in the first place.

Bottom line...be happy, comfortable and confident with your decision to buy a Genesis.

Well said. As for "those other" Hyundai models; they're great! And the next-gen models are looking even better: Sonata, Tucson and I've seen the spy shots for the next Elantra and Accent- they are gonna be eye catching sexy vehicles. Don't forget about the Veloster sports coupe either....Hyundai is very exciting to watch.

Nothing to be ashamed of!

 

[Sal Collaziano]

What do you mean "All the Saturn dealerships THEY'RE buying"!

They are not buying any dealerships! Any talk about how Hyundai SHOULD buy Saturn dealerships is just that. Talk. Wishfull thinking.

I'm not sure who "they" is but a lot of Saturn dealerships are being converted into Hyundai and/or Kia dealerships...

 

[ArmyDrifter]

Saturn is Owned by Gm if im not mistaken and there in my eyes a import wannabe. They have yet to show me or other people what there made of, so could it be that the dealership went under due to lack of sales and cuz the new Genesis is moving Hyundai on up they bought the old lot?

 

[wallymn]

Well said. As for "those other" Hyundai models; they're great! And the next-gen models are looking even better: Sonata, Tucson and I've seen the spy shots for the next Elantra and Accent- they are gonna be eye catching sexy vehicles. Don't forget about the Veloster sports coupe either....Hyundai is very exciting to watch.

Nothing to be ashamed of!

Ditto....


I like driving a Hyundai, I love that my friends think I am an idiot for buying a Hyundai but admit the Genesis is as good or better than a lexus/Infiniti/BMW....

Price drove me to Hyundai, add a premium price for a premium brand and I likely would have paid for a BMW

 

[ArmyDrifter]

Ditto....


I like driving a Hyundai, I love that my friends think I am an idiot for buying a Hyundai but admit the Genesis is as good or better than a lexus/Infiniti/BMW....

Price drove me to Hyundai, add a premium price for a premium brand and I likely would have paid for a BMW

I agree but after the low performance market and things for the tiburon when I got it I was worried the genesis coupe would be the same! But things look great for both engines, and more people seem to be behind hyundai now that they got a better looking and performaning car! And for one im glad to see this car is not under a different name so I did not have to kill to afford it

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